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What is reconstructive plastic surgery?

Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed to correct facial and body abnormalities caused by birth defects, trauma, disease, or aging.

Usually, the goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to improve body function. However, reconstructive plastic surgery may also be performed to create a more normal appearance and improve self-esteem (this may also be called cosmetic surgery). Abnormal structures of the body may result from the following:

Trauma

Infection

Developmental abnormalities

Congenital (present at birth) anomalies

Disease

Tumors

Who are candidates for reconstructive plastic surgery?

Generally, two types of patients have reconstructive plastic surgery, including the following:

Persons with developmental deformities (including those due to an accident, infection, disease, or aging)

Possible complications associated with reconstructive plastic surgery

Any type of surgery carries some risk. Patients differ in their anatomy and their ability to heal. Some complications associated with reconstructive plastic surgery may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Infection

Excessive bleeding

Bruising

Difficulty in wound healing

Anesthesia problems

Surgery problems

Risk of complications may increase if a patient:

Smokes

Has connective-tissue damage

Has skin damage from radiation therapy

Has decreased circulation at the surgery site

Has HIV

Has an impaired immune system

Has poor nutritional habits

How to prepare for reconstructive plastic surgery

The specific type of surgery will be determined by your doctor based on:

There are a number of areas in plastic surgery that may be either or both reconstructive or cosmetic, depending on a patient's situation. For example, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may be a procedure performed for cosmetic improvement, as well as to correct eyelids that are drooping severely and obscuring vision.